Ministry of Textiles
Smt. Darshana.V.Jardosh, Union Minister of State for Textiles & Railways Inaugurates 53rd Edition of IHGF Delhi Fair 2022
Commends EPCH and Industry on Resilience, Bouncing back with Physical Show
IHGF Fair facilitates in-person interactions and provides a viable marketing option to the exhibitors and buyers
2500+ Exhibitors, Pre-Registered Buyers from 90+ Nations, Theme Presentations, Regional Crafts, Seminars and Ramp Presentations Define 5 Days Show
The 53rd edition of IHGF-DELHI FAIR –2022 being held from 30th March to 3rd April 2022 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway was inaugurated yesterday by Smt. Darshana V. Jardosh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Textiles & Railways in the august presence of Mr. Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner ; Shri Raj K Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH and Chairman, IEML; Vice Chairmen, EPCH – Shri Dileep Baid and Shri Kamal Soni; Committee of Administration Members, EPCH; and Shri R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Darshana V. Jardosh, Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, expressed her happiness at the physical exhibition taking place, providing an opportunity for exhibitors & buyers to meet in person for transacting business. She said, “The fair symbolizes the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’ of Government as this large number of handicraft exporters, produce the best of Indian home, lifestyle, fashion, textiles and furniture from the indigenously sourced raw material, thus earning much-needed foreign exchange for the country.” She appreciated IHGF Delhi Fair’s role in providing a platform to a large number of exporters specially small and medium exporters who with their hard work, creativity and enterprise have been able to add to the exports of handicrafts from the country. Smt Jardosh particularly appreciated the involvement of the new generation in the sector that brings in new ideas, designs and outlook. Commending EPCH, the Minister said, “EPCH has been doing excellent work since its inception and is merited with implementation of large number of interventions related to creating a conducive ecosystem for the sector’s development.” She hoped this would continue and enhance handicraft exports in the years to come.
During his visit to the fair, earlier in the day, Shri U P Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, called this platform, a vital international connect to the Indian handicrafts community, especially the weavers and artisans who contribute significantly to nurture the sector, at the ground level. Shri Singh also appreciated the inclusion of several regional artisanal products from J&K, Ladakh, Rajasthan and North Eastern Regions, in Theme & Collective Presentations at the show, especially those made from eco-friendly and natural materials. He hoped that the display of these items would certainly create awareness and demand of these products amongst the visitors.
Shri Shantmanu, Development Commissioner  congratulated EPCH on its illustrious journey and the way it has carved a brand name for itself and become a model Council. The IHGF Delhi Fair too has become a trusted and sought after platform with its own unique recognition, worldwide, he said.
Shri Raj Kumar Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH, welcomed all to the 53rd edition of IHGF Delhi Fair and mentioned that “This edition of the IHGF Fair facilitates in-person interactions and provides a viable marketing option to the exhibitors and buyers. With an extensive publicity campaign undertaken by EPCH, a large number of overseas buyers, buying consultants, wholesalers and retailers, and domestic volume buyers registered to visit the show,”
Reflecting on the present optimistic sentiment of the handicrafts industry, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH, said, "Over the years, a large number of interventions related to backward linkages through entrepreneurship development, skilling, product and design development and forward linkages through marketing platforms for the complete development of the sector’s ecosystem have been among EPCH’s endeavors for the overall development of the handicrafts sector, leading to increased export. We hope to cross USD 4 billion by the close of this financial year.” He thanked the Government and complimented the leadership as India’s exports for the first time, cross US$400 billion.
The 53rd edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair is spread across 15 halls and 900 Permanent Showrooms at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway. It is open to overseas buyers, buying and sourcing consultants as well as large domestic volume retail buyers till 3rd April 2022 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida bringing together more than 2500 exhibitors for home, lifestyle, fashion, textiles and furniture.
The ExpoBazaar, a digital B2B platform established by India Expo Mart Limited  was also inaugurated. This e-marketplace developed on ‘Just in time’ delivery model enables global independent retailers to not only acquire specialized crafts from all across India, but also learn about the evolution of intricate crafts” said Dr. Rakesh Kumar, who is also Chairman, IEML.
EPCH is a nodal agency for promoting exports of handicrafts from the Country to various destinations of the world and projecting India’s image abroad as reliable supplier of high quality of handicrafts goods & services. Handicrafts exports during the year 2020-21 was Rs. 25679.98  and the estimated exports during April-February 2021-22 is Rs. 29626.96 Crores  during eleven months of 2021-22.